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CDMA iPhone 4 has N92 codename, nears production

updated 06:45 pm EDT, Wed August 11, 2010

by MacNN Staff

iPhone 4 for Verizon gets N92 badge and more

Apple's long rumored CDMA iPhone is now more than just a skunkworks project and has a codename, tips revealed this evening. John Gruber now understands that the device is known internally as N92 and is already at the Engineer Validation Test (EVT) stage. As just a step before the Design Validation Test (DVT) stage like that of the stolen iPhone 4, its progress is appropriate for the often-rumored January Verizon launch.

There are no guarantees the CDMA model will ultimately ship or necessarily that it will reach Verizon. Apple could reach Sprint, US Cellular and most other smaller carriers in the US, and it could be intended primarily for international carriers like China Telecom or some Latin American providers. With 92.1 million subscribers, however, Verizon is usually considered the largest CDMA carrier and would almost certainly be the primary target.

Apple is now believed to have had a change of heart on CDMA. It once described the standard as "dead" since a clear majority of cellular networks use GSM and HSPA, but the company has reconsidered after recognizing length of time to transition to LTE for 4G and, more importantly, the threat of Android. Verizon is the world's largest Android carrier and has helped Google thrive with HTC and Motorola phones being "safe" from Apple.

Analysts believe a Verizon iPhone could flatten Android as some customers may only be choosing Android as AT&T's network quality and the cost of switching carriers discourage them from jumping networks to get an iPhone. While AT&T has tried to minimize the risk of losing customers, Gruber and others expect that AT&T could lose tens or hundreds of thousands of customers almost immediately.

"I think there are going to be lines -- especially in places where AT&T service is poor, like New York and San Francisco," the tech writer said. "I think they could sell at least one million on Verizon over the opening weekend. Who knows how many loyal-to-Verizon customers are just biding their time, waiting for an iPhone, though? Could be more."

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With the great network that I have from AT&T, I am extremely prone to move now to some other carrier. My contract for one iPhone is over and the other one is almost on the verge. So ATT will say good bye to two phone lines. As a matter of fact I am planning to go the whole hog and get my children too an iPhone from VZW. that makes 4 four connections out of the millions.

If an iPhone does come to Verisuck, I could care less. I will never in a million years use a CDMA carrier. I don't care if AT&T has the worst signal on Earth, I still would never use them. Though it just so happens that AT&T is the ONLY carrier in my area that gets good signal and 3G data. T-Mobile has barely any signal in my area (though they do have some) and Verizon is far, far worse! A friend of mine has Verizon and it cuts out constantly, and whenever it does I always say "what do you expect, it's CDMA" and aint it the truth! Don't know anyone with Sprint luckily but AT&T is the fastest and the only network to constantly be up in this area. GSM for life. If it doesn't have a SIM card, it isn't a phone. I see Apple is preparing a WiFi only version of the iPhone called "N92". How iPod like...

Odd that Apple would use codeword N92, which is the name of an older Nokia smartphone. I also will be saying AMF to AT&T ASAP. I don't care if Verizon speeds are slower. It will be faster than the zero speed that AT&T has in many areas that I need.

Android phones have been available at AT&T but have had no competition from Apple in CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint, which has allowed them to grow in terms of marketshare. This free reign will come to an end once Apple invades their turf and offers a CDMA iPhone.

A friend of mine has Verizon and it cuts out constantly, and whenever it does I always say "what do you expect, it's CDMA" and aint it the truth!

No, it isn't the truth. The truth is that most people have good service with Verizon, CDMA or not. ATT is not the end-all/be-all of phone systems, for it lacks a lot (esp. in coverage).

GSM for life. If it doesn't have a SIM card, it isn't a phone.

Don't get too high-and-mighty for GSM, since it is on the way out.

And what's the point of having a SIM card if you can't swap it with another? The iPhone being locked means you might as well be stuck with a hard-wired Verizon phone.

I see Apple is preparing a WiFi only version of the iPhone called "N92". How iPod like...

There is NO WAY Apple is going to offer a Wifi -only version of the iPhone.

From day one, Apple has insisted that you get the data plan with the phone plan. This is Apple's insistence, not ATT's. They want people to always be connected, for it makes the iPhone experience far better. Getting rid of the data plan basically gives you a glorified iPod touch. It just isn't going to happen.

I don't think people are going to flock to the iPhone like some expect. There will be some churn from Android, but most of Android's success has come from its lower price points. Even though the iPhone is somewhat competitively priced, at $99 + 2 year contract it's still priced above a lot of Android phones. With rebates and in store specials you can get Android phones for $29 or free, or buy 1 get 1 free for $100.

We also don't know what VZW's subsidy will be like for the iPhone. AT&T has publicly stated that they are very aggressively subsidizing the iPhone, and most forget that the original iPhone without subsidy cost $500+. VZW could easily offer the iPhone but not subsidize it as heavily as AT&T does with the iPhone.

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